Down By The Brighton & Hove Seaside
The charming seaside resort town of Brighton - or more aptly, Brighton and Hove, having expanded to incorporate the nearby Hove into the larger area in the late ‘90s, sits just outside London, at around 50 miles or so. Read on for more.
The charming seaside resort town of Brighton - or more aptly, Brighton and Hove, having expanded to incorporate the nearby Hove into the larger area in the late ‘90s, sits just outside London at around 50 or so miles south. It’s an easy day trip via reliable rail services or, better yet, pack the suitcase, head down, and stay a while.
Accommodations are plentiful offering a good variety and at decent price ranges. Several line the main promenade along Kings Road, on the seafront, offering spectacular views of the (English) Channel. The iconic The Grand Brighton maintains a rich history having opened its doors in the mid-nineteenth century, and played host to many dignitaries over the centuries. Architectural elements such as the exposed grand staircase with the flush of light via the domed skylight, especially from the vantage point of higher floors, is really quite beautiful.
Enjoy a casual stroll along the promenade or pop by one of the many eateries for some fish and chips (certainly don’t miss an opportunity to sample local fruits of the sea here - being on the coast, it isn’t surprising that the catch oftentimes is quite fresh).
Carrying on, If you’re a thrill seeker then you wouldn’t need to venture too far to get an adrenalin fix. Soar to more than 500 ft. high above the city and sea, on the Brighton i360, just mere steps away.
Back on ground, make your way to the charming corridor, the Lanes, where you’ll find lots cafes, shops, restaurants, etc. It’s easy to spend a bit of time here - I returned multiple times for some very tasty meals. And finally, just off the Lanes, checkout the unique looking Royal Pavilion built for King George IV - you can’t miss the distinctive architectural style once you’re in the area. Within the same grounds you may also visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.
Overall quite charming and very easily accessible from London, so make it a stop on your visit to the area.
For assistance planning bespoke trips to the UK or other destinations, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to be of service.
Enjoying the afternoon at New Steine Gardens
Charming Cartagena
The vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia.
Rimming the northwestern coast of the South American continent, and straddling the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena, for centuries, served as a key export trading post. Visitors will immediately notice evidence of this in the well preserved San Felipe de Barajas Fort and the impressive barriers of the walls encircling the old town.
The populace are warm and inviting, the food, with heavy Afro-Caribbean influences simply mouthwatering (it’s truly hard to have a terrible meal here), the barrios fascinating, particularly the bohemian and Afrocentric neighborhood of Getsemaní, and the further afield Rosario islands a beach lovers paradise (though fair warning beware of the sometimes turbulent seas!)
It’s been a trip in the making for many years. Glad to have finally checked it out. I look forward to visiting again. Make it a destination or certainly add as a pitstop on a Colombian/South American trip. For tips or help planning your upcoming getaway, do get in touch; be happy to assist.